The Platte County girls soccer team played 240 minutes of scoreless soccer before goalkeeper Finley Kaser secured the 2025 North Kansas City Invitational for the Pirates in a penalty shootout win against Smithville on Saturday, April 26.
Platte County’s offense scored just one goal across three games at the North Kansas City District Activities Complex, yet they still found ways to defeat Oak Park, Kearney and Smithville to claim the NKC Invitational.
The Pirates’ journey began on April 24, when they defeated Oak Park 1-0. The Pirates dominated nearly all night, getting a goal late in the first half from an Oak Park own goal, but Platte County was unable to extend the lead despite the creation of a handful of quality opportunities.
“We came out strong,” Platte County coach Ashlyn Brantley said. “That’s what we were looking to do; start out setting the tone and having a high tempo.”
Under the Friday night lights, Platte County got a first-half goal from senior Riley Burris against district foe Kearney. That was all the Pirates needed as Kaser closed out yet another shutout, pushing Platte County into the championship match.
On short rest, the Pirates played regulation out to a scoreless draw against No. 2-ranked Smithville of Class 2 on Saturday. The match headed to a penalty shootout to determine the champion in dramatic fashion. The Pirates had penalty attempts converted by Lilly Kytasaari, Giada Cucchiara and Emily
Fadler, but still needed some goalkeeper heroics to find separation. They got exactly in the fifth round of the shootout when Kiser dove down to her right, extending her outstretched right hand to tip the ball onto the post.
After losing their opening game of the season to Park Hill South in a penalty shootout, Platte County got vengeance to secure the North Kansas City Invitational title.
“I always expect a high level of competition in this tournament,” Brantley said. “It’s always good to play teams that we don’t necessarily get to see all the time throughout the season, but there are some district opponents as well.”
Platte County’s winning streak has now stretched to 11 straight, going over a month without defeat. With a 12-2 record this season, the Pirates’ Class 3 District 8 tournament is already shaping to be highly competitive, with five of the district’s eight teams winning 65% or more of their games.
The next objective for the Pirates is to clinch the conference title. Currently in sole possession of first place in conference play with an 8-0 record, they have six games remaining, including a critical tilt away to second-place Grain Valley on May 6.